India stumble at 27/2 in 549-run chase, South Africa move closer to series sweep

India ended day four in deep trouble at 27 for 2, chasing a mammoth 549‑run target set by South Africa, with the hosts staring at a near‑impossible task to level the two‑match series. Trailing 0–1, India’s hopes suffered an early blow as openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) and KL Rahul (6) fell cheaply, with Marco Jansen’s disciplined and threatening bowling giving South Africa an early advantage, leaving the middle order to face a mountain of runs.

At stumps, Sai Sudharsan was batting on 2 not out (25 balls) alongside Kuldeep Yadav (4 not out, 22 balls). India still required 522 runs to win, while South Africa needed just eight wickets to secure the series sweep.

South Africa’s day was built around a composed and resilient innings by Tristan Stubbs, who played a masterful 94 off 180 balls, showing exceptional technique and patience against India’s spin attack. Stubbs anchored his side’s innings, stitching a vital 101‑run partnership with Tony de Zorzi (49) to consolidate South Africa’s position. He then added another 82 runs for the fifth wicket with Wiaan Mulder (35), frustrating India and consuming crucial time.

The early morning session saw Ravindra Jadeja (4/62) and Washington Sundar (1/67) strike, but Stubbs’ controlled stroke play and calm temperament kept the Proteas ahead. His innings, combining defence with timely aggression, demonstrated why he is considered one of South Africa’s brightest talents in Tests.

South Africa declared their second innings at 260 for 5 in 78.3 overs, setting India a towering target and leaving them with an uphill battle on a pitch that could assist spin on the final day. Play resumes tomorrow at 9:30 AM IST, with India needing 522 more runs and eight wickets still in hand for the visitors.

Unless India produce an extraordinary batting performance, the visitors are in the driver’s seat to clinch the series.